Herceptin (Trastuzumab)

Trastuzumab under the brand name of Herceptin is a monoclonal antibody that interferes with neu receptor/HER2. It is basically used to treat breast cancer. Herceptin is used treat both the conditions after and before the surgery in the people with positive breast cancer. It can also reduce the chances of getting breast cancer again.

Herceptin (Trastuzumab) Uses

Herceptin is used to treat different types of breast cancer with other medication or alone. Trastuzumab attached to the HER2 protein that works as prohibiting the growing and dividing the cancer cells. It is used to treat the different types of tumors that developed more than the normal amount of HER2 protein. A consolidation of Trastuzumab along with chemotherapy increases the chances of response and survival rate both as compared to Trastuzumab alone. Herceptin is feed slowly into your blood through drip or with a needle under the skin. This medication is given on prescription of doctor or pharmacist.

Herceptin (Trastuzumab) Side effects

Some of the common side effects from Herceptin are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sleeping problems, loss of appetite, pain and irritation on the side of injection and flu like symptoms like pain, fever and chills. In some of the cases nausea and vomiting can be worsen if not told to the doctor on time your doctor will prescribe you some of the medication to prohibit nausea and vomiting.

If you have any of these side effects whether they are mild or severe must discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before they get worse of originate many other health complications.

Herceptin (Trastuzumab) Precautions

Before taking the medication tell your doctor or pharmacist about you ongoing or previous health problems like current infections, viral infection that have returning symptoms, previous cancer treatments, lung problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, any previous severe problem from monoclonal antibody treatment. Do not come in contact with the people who have recently received vaccines or immunizations. The medication contains some inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions if you are allergic to medication tell your doctor. Don’t take immunization or vaccination without consenting the doctor or pharmacist. These precautions are not a complete list; discuss the warnings and precaution with your doctor or pharmacist before taking the medication.

Herceptin (Trastuzumab) Interaction

The drug interaction may increase the chances of serious health complications and affects the work of the medication. The medication that can interact with Herceptin may be prescription, non prescription and herbal medicines. If you are taking any medication for other medical treatments discuss it must with your doctor or pharmacist as it can interact with the dosage and causes many different health problems.